Singapore is set to launch Chinese dialect classes such as Hokkien and Cantonese for migrant domestic workers starting next year. Announced by Minister of State for Education and Manpower Gan Siow Huang on Sunday, this initiative aims to help workers communicate more effectively with their employers, many of whom are elderly and speak dialects as their primary language.
“The introduction of dialect lessons will foster trust and long-lasting relationships,” Gan said during an event marking International Migrants Day. “It allows our domestic workers to better understand and meet the needs of the households they support.”
The Center for Domestic Employees (CDE), a non-governmental organization, will spearhead the program. In addition to language courses, the CDE plans to partner with the Healthcare Academy to offer advanced caregiving training, including dementia and infant care courses.
According to Singapore’s 2021 population census, 8.7% of residents aged five and older most frequently spoke Chinese dialects at home. The percentage rises significantly among those aged 55 and above, with 21.9% using dialects as their primary language and 33% of this group not speaking a second language.
With over 294,000 migrant domestic workers in Singapore as of June 2023, comprising 19% of the nation’s foreign workforce, the move is expected to enhance communication and care within households. Employers will also have access to free workshops to better support their domestic workers.
The CDE is also collaborating with Silver Ribbon (Singapore), a non-profit organization focused on mental health, to provide free counseling services and mental health workshops for migrant workers.
Reference(s):
Singapore to offer Chinese dialect classes for migrant workers
cgtn.com
